Comparative Study on the Nutritive Value of Millet and Sorghum Grain (Feterita) in Broiler Chicken Diet

Abstract

The present experiment was designed to evaluate the nutritive value of Millet Vs Feteriata in Broiler diet. 192 unsexed one day old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into six groups (treatments) with four replicates each (8 chicks/replicate) at Kuku Poultry Research Unit Farm at Animal Production Research Center for seven weeks of age from 24/11/2006-10/1/200, the temperature range was 15-38ºC. The experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with the same level of essential amino acids according to the NRC (1984). A control diet (C) was formulated to contain Sorghum grain as sole source of energy and then replaced by graded levels of Millet grain (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) respectively. Results obtained from the present experiment showed no significant difference (P>0.05) among tested groups for the data average feed intake, live body weight, body weight gain and food conversion ratio. Live body weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight and carcass cuts [Chest, back, drumstick, wings and giblets (liver, heart and gizzard)] were not statistically significant (P>0.05) among the tested groups. Thigh showed significantly higher weight (P<0.05) for group fed on 10% Millet level. On the other hand, both groups fed on diet M40 and M50% level exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher abdominal fat and neck weight. vi Feed cost per/kg for the tested groups were almost similar (0.738, 0.738, 0.737, 0.735, 0.730 and 0.722 Sudanese pounds). The present study indicated that Millet can replace Sorghum grain up to 50% level in broiler diet without adverse effect.